Tanya Landman: Jane Eyre

Tanya Landman

A mysterious master, a sinister servant, strange laughter echoing along the corridors of Thornfield Hall…

Now older and wiser, Jane Eyre takes a wry look back at her dramatic past.

Award-winning author Tanya Landman has written more than 40 books for children and young people, but she started her career as an actress, puppeteer and storyteller.

After a difficult few years and with her sixtieth birthday galloping towards her over the horizon, Tanya decided it was time to embrace a new challenge. A long-time devotee of the Fringe (as an audience member), she threw her name into the hat and this was her first year as a participant.

Tanya said, “I’ve loved Jane Eyre and all things Bronte since I was about thirteen and this is an opportunity to share my enthusiasm with other fans. And for those who haven’t read it – it will whet their appetite. It’s such a good story!”

This is Tanya’s first solo show and she admited she looked forward to this year’s Fringe with both wild excitement and stone-cold terror. “But the Fringe is so welcoming and there’s always such a lovely atmosphere. It’s the best possible place for a world premiere.

Age 12+

Review by Mark Ashmore 23/06/23

‘Jane Eyre’ – an absolute pleasure 

Tanya Landman’s adaptation of ‘Jane Eyre’ is a joyous retelling of the story. Reframed with Jane looking back on the events of her life and guiding us through them, as she relives her journey for us and with us.

You may think you know the story, you probably do, but this performance shows just how many surprises there are still to be found. Jane’s perspective on her experiences, her sense of humour and her wry descriptions of the people in her life, are more than enough to sweep up the audience and guide them through the tale from beginning to end and beyond.

All the characters are brought to life through Jane’s descriptions of them and their idiosyncracies. The dialogue throughout the play is filled with love, empathy and is appropriately sardonic when called for, most importantly she treats her younger self with the same emotional kindness and a wry raised eyebrow.

Tanya’s performance brings new life to the character, as the lights rose at the beginning of the show, there was Jane, it was an absolute pleasure to hear her story and to understand not just what happened to her but how it shaped her.

Mark Ashmore